Casino loyalty can seem valuable, but the value is harder to judge when expectations are unclear, ‘rules’ are not published, and the comp decisions change after play has already occurred. In comparison, rewards from spending on credit cards are often clearer with published rules, set expectations, and more predictable outcomes.
As someone who engages with both credit card reward programs and casino loyalty programs, I seek to maximize rewards and expect to be treated fairly based on my activity. I would especially like past treatment to be a reliable guide for future treatment, but this hasn’t always been the case with gambling.
Case Study #1: Based on Approval
One particular casino offered a high status “based on approval,” and the terms of approval were not listed. Following a high volume of online Blackjack play, I thought of the higher status level as an added benefit, though it was uncertain. I only played when I had an edge through bonuses and the use of prepaid cards/gift cards that gave me an advantage on the depositing or acquisition side.
After I reached the required Tier Credits for status, the higher-level status never updated on my account for several weeks. I messaged the casino host assigned to me, and she gave answers that didn’t make sense, like I had to contact online gaming. I then contacted another host, who told me to contact the initial host. Eventually, I was told that online play wasn’t considered valuable, so I wouldn’t receive the status.
Case Study #2: Same Play, Different Comp Outcome
A second casino provided me with a generous welcome while I was playing Video Poker with a promotion offering bonus free play. A host approached me, offering bonus free play on top of the promotion, show tickets, food credits, and more, so I ended up paying nothing for food and entertainment after my first visit.
She invited me back, promising more comps, and I clearly asked if I would receive the same rewards regarding comped food if I played the same amount of Video Poker. She said it was “based on play,” to which I said I would play the same amount, and I still didn’t get a clear answer. The issue, though, was not about Video Poker, especially since I played Video Poker during my first visit, but then the outcomes changed on my second visit.
After my second visit, with the same amount of coin-in and about the same amount of food charges, she said she could only take $100 off the food bill and mentioned that “usually” Video Poker players don’t get everything comped as other players do. I mentioned this was the same coin-in as my first visit, but nothing changed, so I ended up paying for food when I would have otherwise used MyVegas rewards and MGM Rewards Points at MGM restaurants.
Adjusting for Uncertainty
In both cases, I lowered risk because the outcomes were not guaranteed, but still ended up disappointed because of unclear terms, shifting ‘rules,’ and ‘discretion’ (perhaps meaning we didn’t make much from you, so it’s going to be a no).
In the credit card rewards space, it seems my success rate is much higher because terms are clearer, rewards are fixed, and status is earned after meeting certain requirements (and not based on ‘discretion’).
For example, I spend a certain amount of money on a credit card each year, and I automatically get status. There’s always risk, though, because terms may change, rewards may get clawed back, certain benefits may no longer apply as they used to, and loyalty programs may devalue.
In the gambling space, one often takes on negative expected value in the hopes that comps will offset the house edge, or at least make up for it in some way. If expected comps are not delivered after play, then the math changes due to ‘discretion’ or unclear terms. What looked like a positive expected value calculation can turn into a losing proposition due to unclear terms.
When miles and points people ask me if they should gamble just to get casino comps, I’m usually not enthusiastic about this idea because the rewards, more certain, can be attained in other ways, without taking on the house edge. I especially lament high house edge games and often favor Video Poker and Blackjack with good rules instead.
Some Success
Not all hope is lost, though, because MGM Rewards has been generous to me at the intersection of online gambling, gambling on cruise ships, and using their credit cards. For years, I’ve had MGM Platinum status with no approval process and no shifting expectations.
Caesars Rewards has also been generous, at least for lower status levels, like attaining Diamond status with Tier Credit Multiplier promotions, and even putting spending on Caesars credit cards (if you can get approved). The path to Diamond status is more clearly defined and not subject to approval.
Casino loyalty can still be valuable, but I take it with a grain of salt when I’m new to programs, receive vague ‘based on play’ assurances from hosts, and I see terms like ‘based on approval.’ Miles and points enthusiasts can often replicate casino rewards at a lesser cost using points, benefits, and more guaranteed outcomes.
As always, gamble responsibly and use credit intelligently.
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